A Summer In Paris

Paris’s many gardens offer a welcome escape from the heat during the long summer days. Early mornings are ideal for jogging, with regulars often returning to their usual routes. The Jardin du Luxembourg, the Tuileries Garden, and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont all feature refreshment stands—perfect for cooling off in the shade of a chestnut tree—as well as fountains and activities for children, including the iconic Belle Époque carousels. Whether you're visiting as a couple or with family, these gardens are a delight to explore at any time of day during the summer season.

Highstay has partnered with the exceptional artisan Tableaux to offer guests a refined picnic experience. These gourmet platters—true culinary masterpieces—can be enjoyed with a bottle of Minuty rosé or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink on a Parisian lawn. To enjoy this experience, simply book a minimum three-night stay before August 31.

The Seine, which winds through the heart of Paris, and its banks are beloved spots for both locals and visitors. For the past few decades, Paris Plages has brought a holiday spirit to the city! From early July to the end of August, sections of the quays are transformed to recreate the feel of a seaside escape right in the capital.

On the Left Bank, the event stretches from Pont d’Iéna to Pont des Arts; on the Right Bank, from Pont Neuf to the Port de l’Arsenal—this stretch is arguably the most pleasant. The setup evokes the atmosphere of a seaside resort: deckchairs set on sand, ice-cream and drink vendors, outdoor activities for children, plus books and table football freely available. All of this lets you enjoy a fun and relaxing time with family.

Another refreshing option is the fantastic Anette K. swimming pool, located just below the Port de Javel. This open-air Olympic pool is a recent addition, complete with a food area and sun loungers—offering a truly timeless escape in the middle of the city. Be aware: it's a highly popular spot, especially in summer, so it's best to book your entry and lounger in advance via the website. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes festive, with music and a lively crowd. You can also join yoga sessions, aquatraining classes, and other sports activities.

To see the city from a different perspective—just as it was presented during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics—simply take a cruise along the river. For stays of five nights or more, Highstay offers its guests the opportunity to board a Riva and admire Paris from the Seine, champagne glass in hand. To enjoy this experience, bookings must be made between May 27 and July 30, 2025. The best time is undoubtedly in the evening, when the city and its monuments are illuminated. Paris truly lives up to its name as the City of Light. For the more adventurous, renting a small boat for a few hours and heading up the Canal Saint Martin is also an option. Easy to navigate, it's the perfect setting for a picnic on the water or an apéritif with friends.

In summer, cinema moves outdoors, offering a unique opportunity to experience the seventh art beneath a starry sky. All across the capital, screenings take place in stunning settings—from the Cour d’Honneur at Les Invalides to the Monnaie de Paris, the Arènes de Lutèce, and the Cour Carrée of the Louvre.

Classical and contemporary music also step outside traditional concert halls. From the Jazz Festival at Parc Floral to the world-famous Lollapalooza welcoming international stars, the Chopin Festival at Parc de Bagatelle, and the Arènes Lyriques held in an intimate garden just steps from Montmartre, music comes alive in the open.

The culinary scene is just as vibrant, with some restaurants opening only for the summer season. Rising star of the Paris food scene, young chef Julien Sebbag has set up shop on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. Open all day, this spot offers fragrant vegetarian cuisine and, above all, stunning panoramic views of Paris.

For those who prefer a more historic setting, the formal French gardens of the Musée Carnavalet offer a perfect alternative, with Fabula—a terrace restaurant serving refined and creative dishes. Between the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Palais de Tokyo, the elegant terrace of Corail presents a summer menu with Mediterranean flavors, all in a “Parisian Riviera” décor, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

Not far from there, Han Rooftop sits atop the Musée Guimet, where Korean specialties are served beneath the Parisian sky.

For those who enjoy the the festive spirit of the traditional Parisian guinguette, the Rosa Bonheur venues are always a safe bet—whether it’s the barge docked just below the Assemblée Nationale, the guinguette in Buttes-Chaumont, or the one in the Bois de Vincennes, each offers a cheerful, laid-back atmosphere.

Summer is the perfect time to explore iconic landmarks of French culture outside the capital. The Château de Versailles, for example, is just a short trip away. While this magnificent palace and its formal French gardens are, of course, one of the most famous monuments in France, it’s also a chance to visit the Petit Trianon—so beloved by Queen Marie-Antoinette—or the charming Hameau de la Reine, a rustic retreat with its own little farm and sheep enclosure where she loved to escape court life. A visit that’s both delightful and fun, especially with children. Another option is to follow in the footsteps of the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet by visiting his home and lush gardens—an endless source of inspiration. You’ll discover the artist’s world and the iconic water lily pond, the subject of the masterpieces now housed at the Musée de l’Orangerie. In this poetic setting, it’s easy to grasp his deep love for nature and his fascination with light.

Paris in summer holds countless beautiful surprises—now’s the time to book your stay with Highstay.